HOW TO USE A CAMBIUM SAVER IN TREE CARE WORK?
JOKER LIGHT: IMAGINATION IS YOUR LIMIT!
We’re sure you know how to use a cambium saver like the back of your hand when doing tree-care work, but our Joker Light goes the extra mile—making it the ultimate universal tool when you’re on the job. Versatile, adaptable, and designed to perform under the toughest conditions, our innovative tree-care cambium saver fits any configuration. Whether you choose the version with one or two rings, each model is certified for two climbers and complies with TS 16415:2013 and EN 795B:2012 standards, ensuring maximum security for you. With an adjustable length and the versatility to perform equally well in simple and complex systems, the Joker Light is your must-have ally in action. Let’s explore here how you can unlock its potential and push the limits of your creativity. With the Joker Light, your imagination is your only limit.
All those cambium saver pros out there, have a look at this because it’s sure to pique your interest! For everyone else, here’s a quick refresher: cambium savers are must-have tools for tree-care specialists, offering safety and flexibility when working at height. Whether working on the branches, creating redirections, or climbing trees, knowing how to use a cambium saver during tree-care work is essential to optimise your efficiency while ensuring your safety and comfort. In the first part of this article, we’ll explore the different types of cambium-saver anchors, the appropriate anchors, and the best practices users can follow.
Before talking about our joker light, let’s go over how to use a cambium saver during tree-care work
Anchors: an essential choice
What is an anchor?
The anchor support is the crucial attachment point for any work at height. It must be chosen as vertically as possible, ideally at the junction of a lateral branch, but it should also consider the user’s needs and working conditions. Anchors play a key role in safety as they must support the weight of two climbers (in the event of a rescue) and withstand the stress generated during work.
Evolutions in techniques
The use of cambium savers has evolved over the decades. Although the two-ring cambium saver was the most common anchor thirty years ago, technological advances gave way to more complex models, such as choking cambium savers and adjustable systems. These innovations give arborists a wider variety of options, allowing them to adapt their tools and techniques to various types of work.
Base anchors
Base anchors share certain characteristics with redirectional anchors, but they stand out due to their lengths. They are designed to be attached to the tree trunk, allowing a rope to be connected for easier access. Our JOKER LIGHT tree-care cambium saver has been designed with a strap, loops, and one or two rings—offering numerous possibilities for anchor configurations.
Whether just anchoring a rope or installing releasable systems and managing several ropes, arborists who use SRT (single rope technique) prefer these anchors. However, they are perfectly suited for any DRT (double rope technique) anchors because of their grand flexibility.
different types of anchors
Anchors with rings
These anchors are known for their simplicity and do not require complex retrieval techniques. They are used primarily as main anchors, and all manufacturers offer them. These anchors are available in different lengths and feature similar designs incorporating a large ring with a small ring for retrieval.
At FTC TREE, we decided to enhance this anchor by adding loops to our JOKER LIGHT, enabling it to be used as a redirection system while also adjusting its length by adding a connector, making it perfectly adaptable to any branch size.
Adjustable/choking anchors
These anchors have a more complex design and are used primarily as main anchors, although they can serve very simply as retrievable redirections. This type of anchor is often paired with pulleys and requires specific retrieval techniques to prevent damage to the system when it falls from the tree. Our CHOKER JOKER LIGHT is a versatile choking anchor approved for two users—ideal in rescue situations. It stands out for its ability to adapt to a wide range of situations, both on the trunk and in the crown.
Short adjustment:perfect for working in crowns with precision.
Long adjustment: provides greater freedom of movement for the anchoring strap, facilitating rotation around the attachment point.
These anchors can also be used as traditional anchors when combined with a JOKER LIGHT to extend an anchor on large trunks. Moreover, they can be easily retrieved from the ground using their quick link and small-diameter, aluminium retrieval ball.
The CHOKER JOKER LIGHT is the essential choice for tree-care workers looking for a reliable and adaptable anchor.
Redirectional anchors
When used with main anchors, redirectional anchors allow for the reduction or modification of rope angles as you progress within a tree. They can be used with both DRT and SRT. These types of anchors are typically simple in design, consisting mainly of straps or ropes, sometimes accompanied by rings. In addition, they can also serve as main anchors. These anchors offer a wide range of possible uses.
As a pro, you obviously know everything about anchors. But if you’ve got this far in our article (kudos!), you probably want to learn more about how to use our JOKER LIGHT cambium saver. From one pro to another, we’d like to share some practical tips for using this indispensable tool. Get ready to discover how the JOKER LIGHT can optimise your climbing and tree-care techniques.
How to use a Joker Light tree-care cambium saver and make the most of its modularity?
some info about the joker light tree-care cambium saver
• EN 795B:2012 (mobile anchor device)
• TS 16415:2013 (two-person use possible)
Can be used for SRT or DRT.
• Main anchor, base or redirection.
• Can be used as a connection between the access rope and the climbing rope.
• Two-person use.
Depending on certain parameters, high stress forces may occur when setting up redirections, particularly in the following areas:
• Rope entry and exit angles in redirection
• Rope locking (or not) in redirections
Keep in mind:
• An anchor must support the weight of two climbers in the event of rescue.
Two possible set-ups: choking in the ring or choking in the loop
Depending on your goal or whether you need to use a ring integrated into the anchor, you can choke your anchor either directly in the textile loop or in the metal ring.
You can connect two JOKER LIGHT anchors only if one of the anchors is equipped with its black protective sheath.
How to use the JOKER LIGHT tree-care cambium saver with one ring as a base anchor?
JOKER LIGHT tree-care cambium savers from 2 to 5 metres are perfect for base anchors. Above and beyond single anchor use, their multiple loops and certification for two users offer several possibilities to create additional anchors, especially in the event of rescues. You can use the 2-meter JOKER LIGHT for trunks up to approximately 55 cm wide. For larger trunks, opt for the 5-meter one.
Set-up possible with the 2-meter or 5-meter JOKER LIGHT tree-care cambium saver with one ring.
Retrievable redirection for DRT using a JOKER CHOKER cambium saver in a double-sided configuration
This simple-to-set-up basic assembly is an efficient solution to creating retrievable redirections from the ground or when removing ropes. Using the loops allows adjustment of the length, and the small ring is handy for retrieval with an adapted ball.
Set-up can be done with a 1.10 m or 2 m JOKER LIGHT tree-care cambium saver with one ring or a 1.10 JOKER LIGHT with two rings.
Non-retrievable choker redirection. This type of set-up offers the possibility of creating longer redirections by maximising the wood's diameter and the length of the cambium saver.
Redirection étranglée non récupérable. Ce type de montage offre la possibilité de créer des redirections plus ou moins longues en exploitant au maximum le diamètre du bois et la longueur de la fausse fourche.
Set-up can be done with a 1.10 m or 2 m JOKER LIGHT tree-care cambium saver with one ring or a 1.10 JOKER LIGHT with two rings.
Simple SRT redirection, JOKER LIGHT cambium saver in a double-sided configuration
Simple and quick to install, it lets you adjust the redirection length. This is not a choke set-up; it has a bit more freedom of movement than a choking anchor. The rope slips within the connector.
Set-up can be done with a 1.10 m or 2 m JOKER LIGHT tree-care cambium saver with one ring or a 1.10 JOKER LIGHT with two rings.
SRT redirection with a Munster hitch, JOKER LIGHT cambium saver in double-sided configuration
Allows tension adjustment with the main anchor. Set-up similar to the one above, but in this case, the rope is put in place with a knot allowing adjustment of the tension between the redirection and the main anchor.
Set-up can be done with a 1.10 m or 2 m JOKER LIGHT tree-care cambium saver with one ring or a 1.10 JOKER LIGHT with two rings.
Retrievable SRT redirection
Complex set-up allowing removal of the redirection from a distance. Please note that this set-up type requires a long length of available rope; nevertheless, you can remove the anchor if you make a mistake during set-up.
Set-up can be done with a 1.10 m or 2 m JOKER LIGHT tree-care cambium saver with one ring or a 1.10 JOKER LIGHT with two rings.
SRT redirection with a Munster hitch
Allows tension adjustment with the main anchor.
Non-retrievable redirection choked on a branch. Rope passage with a knot to adjust tension. Allows for setting up very long redirections.
Set-up can be done with a 1.10 m or 2 m JOKER LIGHT tree-care cambium saver with one ring or a 1.10 JOKER LIGHT with two rings.
Simple SRT redirection, rope passes through a connector
Non-retrievable redirection choked on a branch. Unrestricted passage of the rope in the carabiner. Allows for setting up very long redirections.
Montage réalisable avec une fausse fourche d’élagage JOKER LIGHT 1,10 m ou 2 m un anneau, ou une JOKER LIGHT 1,10 m avec deux anneaux.
SRT redirection with an additional ring
Allows tension adjustment with the main anchor.
This set-up is very similar to the others and allows set-up of very long redirections. The main difference resides in adding a ring to the carabiner, creating a system that allows for easy tension adjustment.
Set-up can be done with a 1.10 m or 2 m JOKER LIGHT tree-care cambium saver with one ring or a 1.10 JOKER LIGHT with two rings.
SRT redirection with ring integrated in the anchor
Allows tension adjustment with the main anchor.
By choking the JOKER LIGHT cambium saver on the textile side, you can use the integrated ring to adjust the tension easily. You can also use the anchor’s long length.
Set-up can be done with a 1.10 m or 2 m JOKER LIGHT tree-care cambium saver with one ring or a 1.10 JOKER LIGHT with two rings.
SRT redirection with a Munster hitch
Allows tension adjustment with the main anchor.
Very similar to the above solution, the difference resides in the tension adjustment with a knot in a carabiner.
Set-up can be done with a 1.10 m or 2 m JOKER LIGHT tree-care cambium saver with one ring or a 1.10 JOKER LIGHT with two rings
Set-up of the SRT redirection, double anchor and integrated ring
Allows tension adjustment with the main anchor.
Example of the unchoked JOKER LIGHT set-up with a tensioning system.
Set-up can be done with a 1.10 m or 2 m JOKER LIGHT tree-care cambium saver with one ring or a 1.10 JOKER LIGHT with two rings.
SRT redirection set-up with ring integrated in the anchor
Allows tension adjustment with the main anchor.
Set-up a redirection with adjustable length by changing the position of the carabiner in the loops. Using a ring makes it possible to adjust the tension between the points.
Set-up can be done with a 1.10 m or 2 m JOKER LIGHT tree-care cambium saver with one ring or a 1.10 JOKER LIGHT with two rings.
JOKER LIGHT cambium saver (one ring): connecting the main anchor to the access rope for DRT and SRT work
Complex set-up but retrievable. Allows connection of the climbing rope to the access rope using a JOKER LIGHT. This type of installation allows comfortable DRT (Diagram 1) or SRT (Diagram 2) work. Moreover, the JOKER LIGHT length helps distance the anchors from the access and climbing ropes. Even though the access and climbing ropes are attached in this case, they remain available for independent use at any time.
Set-up can be done with a 1.10 m or 2 m JOKER LIGHT tree-care cambium saver with one ring.
JOKER LIGHT tree-care cambium saver (two rings): connecting the main anchor to the access rope for DRT and SRT work
Same set-up as above but with the JOKER LIGHT with two rings. Complex set-up but retrievable. Allows connection of the climbing rope to the access rope using a JOKER LIGHT. This type of installation allows comfortable DRT (Diagram 1) or SRT (Diagram 2) work. Moreover, the JOKER LIGHT length helps distance the anchors from the access and climbing ropes.
Set-up can be done with a JOKER LIGHT tree-care cambium saver with two rings.
Set-up connecting the climbing rope to the access rope for SRT work
Complete set-up and connection of the climbing rope to the access rope using a JOKER LIGHT with one ring. This set-up is fully retrievable from the ground. Contrary to the diagrams above, the climbing rope creates the link with the access cord in this case. The distance between the access rope and the climbing rope is no longer limited by the length of the JOKER LIGHT. It now just separates the climbing rope from the access rope, while keeping both ropes available for use at any time.
Set-up can be done with a 1.10 m or 2 m JOKER LIGHT tree-care cambium saver with one ring.
joker light: unleash its full potential for your anchors
These diagrams are only a few examples of how to use our JOKER LIGHT. tree-care cambium saver. Please keep in mind that the products shown must be handled by professionals trained in working at height following the current laws in your country. With the JOKER LIGHT, we propose a well-thought-out, robust, multi-purpose tool for your needs. Whether you're looking to secure your anchors or optimise your mobility in the canopy, we’ve designed our equipment for everyday use. At FTC TREE, we like to say that your expertise guides your choices. With our JOKER LIGHT, imagination is your only limit!
